In this episode of “Inspired by History: Stories of Inspiration and Discovery,” Rebecca Barry speaks with Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection and author of “The Hunt for History,” about the long-standing myth surrounding the use of white gloves when handling historical documents. Nathan shares insights based on his two decades of experience, explaining why white gloves are not recommended by experts and can actually increase the risk of damage to fragile documents. The discussion debunks the misconception perpetuated by media and popular culture, emphasizing that clean, dry hands are generally the best method for handling these valuable items.

00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History

00:19 The Myth of White Gloves

00:31 Media Attention and Public Perception

00:57 Expert Insights on Handling Historical Documents

01:14 The Reality of White Gloves

02:10 Proper Handling Techniques

03:07 Public Misconceptions and Expert Opinions

05:17 Real-Life Examples and Anecdotes

06:20 Conclusion and Further Resources

Resources cited: 

“The White Glove Myth,” The Raab Collection blog, March 21, 2012. Reprinted in Forbes.

“For Rare Book Libraries, it’s Gloves Off. Seriously,” The New York Times, March 9, 2023

“Handling Your Books,” Library of Congress website

“Rare 240-year-old George Washington war letter comes up for sale,” The Washington Post, February 17, 2025